Outgoing Judiciary Chief Registrar, Hon. Justice Gadenya Paul Wolimbwa, handed over the office to outgoing Registrar High Court, Isaac Muwata.
Hon.Justice Gadenya was earlier this year appointed on promotion to judge High Court by the President Yoweri Museveni. Subsequently, the Judicial Service Commission appointed HW Muwata the Acting Chief Registrar.
The handover ceremony at the Judiciary Headquarters in Kampala, was presided over by the Hon. Chief Justice, Hon. Justice Bart M. Katureebe, in the presence of the Principal Judge, Hon. Justice Dr. Yorokamu Bamwine; the Judiciary PS, Kagole E. Kivumbi and a number of senior registrars and administration staff.
In his handover remarks, Justice Gadenya asked HW Muwata to be a good listener before taking decisions.
He added: “…ensure that there is an effective registry for Mediation and strengthen Inspectorate of Courts for good results,” said Hon. Justice Gadenya.” Corruption is a big threat to the administration of justice in the country and it needs daily supervision.”
According to Hon. Justice Gadenya, the future of the Judiciary is not automatic but needs hard work, advising the incoming CR to use equity as the guiding principle in the doing his work for best results.
HW Muwata,on the other hand, pledged to maintain his predecessor’s good practices and improve the performance of the Courts of Judicature.
The Chief Justice commended Justice Gadenya for his “tremendous work” as Chief Registrar. He promised to work well with Ag. Chief Registrar Muwata.
The CJ revealed that he appointed Hon. Justice Gadenya to head the Judiciary’s Planning, Budgeting and Research Directorate so as to involve judicial officers in decision making. He said Hon. Justice Gadenya will head the new Planning Directorate alongside his judicial work in the High Court Executions Division.
Hon.Justice Katureebe also revealed that the Ministry of Finance had issued a Certificate of Financial Implication, paving way for the tabling of the Judiciary Administration Bill.
“I am glad to inform you that finally the Ministry of Finance has issued a Certificate of Financial Implication on the Judiciary Administration Bill.Therefore, our Bill is awaiting tabling in Parliament by the Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister,” he said.
He added, “No judiciary gets enough resources. Last week I attended a meeting of East African Court of Justice in Nairobi but it was the same song of limited resources. Therefore, let us do what we can with what we have because the Judiciary is here to stay,” he said.
Speaking at the same function, Principal Judge, Hon. Justice Dr. Yorakamu Bamwine,assured the incoming CR of support and implored him to embrace team work.
